5 Things That SUCK About Canada (And Why I Immigrated Here Anyway)

If you’re thinking about moving to Canada or if you’ve recently arrived, you deserve to know both the good and the bad. So let’s talk about the things that made me do a double take, feel frustrated, or say, “Really?!”—followed by the reasons I choose to stay anyway. 

Phone Plans Are Ridiculously Expensive 

Coming from a country where you can get unlimited data, talk, and text for the price of a fancy coffee or two, the cost of phone plans in Canada was a shock. Monthly bills can easily top $70 or more, and that’s just for basic service. Forget about unlimited data—many plans cap you quickly and then throttle your speed.  

It feels unfair when you’re new, trying to stay connected with family abroad and building a life in a new place. Luckily, there are some workarounds, like using Wi-Fi calling, finding smaller or regional carriers, or even keeping your international SIM card a little longer. (I had a friend from the UK who found it was cheaper to just use international roaming daily rates on his UK plan.)

Luckily, there is a better option. There are special plans for newcomers who want to pick up a plan before they arrive in Canada, so you can lock in savings and access special deals you won’t find on the ground here – like this exclusive newcomer advantage deal from CanadianSIM.  

Renting a Home Can Be Stressful 

The rental market is competitive and expensive across Canada, especially in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver Prices are high, supply can be low, and it’s not uncommon to see dozens of people competing for a single unit. As a newcomer, you may not have a credit score or rental history in Canada, which can make landlords hesitant. 

When I moved to regional British Columbia, I found a room to rent in a shared apartment. At first, I honestly thought I was being scammed. It felt expensive—especially for a town with fewer than 200,000 people—compared to what I was used to paying in other countries and smaller towns. I remember working up the nerve to ask some of the new friends I’d made what they were paying in rent. It was awkward bringing up money so soon after meeting people, but I needed to know. 

To my surprise, it turned out I’d actually gotten a pretty good deal. The market was just more expensive than I’d expected. So while I ended up feeling grateful, it was a stressful experience navigating the unknown and wondering if I was being taken advantage of. 

Keen to learn more about Canada’s rental market? I love this monthly rental report from Rentals.ca.  

You can also compare the market for rental properties using Rentals.ca or search for shared accommodation through Rentals.ca and Sparrow Share.  

Government Services Can Be Slow and Confusing 

Something that caught me off guard when I moved to Canada was how long—and sometimes confusing—it can be to access basic government services. Applying for things like your SIN (Social Insurance Number), getting a provincial health card, or even registering for a driver’s licence can feel like a bureaucratic maze. 

The information is often scattered across federal and provincial websites, and the rules can vary widely depending on where you live. As a newcomer, it’s tough to know where to start or which forms you actually need. I found myself spending hours reading government websites and still feeling uncertain about what to do next. Even simple things like changing your address with different agencies don’t happen automatically, and missing a step can lead to delays or missed benefits. 

None of this is meant to say that services don’t work—because they do. But getting set up often requires more patience, paperwork, and persistence than you might expect coming from countries with more centralized or streamlined systems. 

Accessing Healthcare Isn’t Always Fast—or Simple 

Canada is proud of its universal healthcare, and rightly so. But what many newcomers don’t expect is how long the wait times can be for certain services. Getting a family doctor can take months. Seeing a specialist can take even longer. Walk-in clinics fill up fast, and emergency rooms are often overcrowded. Plus, it’s not always clear what’s included in the publicly-funded system (and what’s not included) or how you can access it as a newcomer.  

As an Australian, I initially assumed I would have automatic access to healthcare here. After all, Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries—so I thought surely Canada would be one of them. But I quickly learned that Canada’s healthcare system is managed provincially, and access depends on where you live and your immigration and even employment status.  

Navigating the system was more stressful than I expected. I had to research the requirements in my province and make sure I had the right documents and coverage in place. In the early days, I relied on my IEC health insurance—as required under the IEC program. That worked well enough, but it came with its own anxiety (like would I be reimbursed for a claim, if I had to make one – luckily I didn’t).  

The good news is, once you’re eligible for your province’s health coverage, that weight lifts. But it’s worth being aware of how healthcare works here before you arrive. 

Banking Fees Can Be Surprising 

Canada’s banking system is stable and secure—but it has fees that I wasn’t used to paying. Many banks charge monthly fees to hold a chequing account, and you may face extra charges for things like e-transfers, using other ATMs, or paper statements. 

When you’re just starting out and watching every dollar, these small fees add up. But with a bit of research, you can find no-fee banks, student accounts, or online banks that cut those costs significantly. There are even banking packages tailored to newcomers.

So Why Did I Want To Stay in Canada? 

Now that I’ve vented a little, let me tell you the truth: I would still choose Canada again in a heartbeat. Here’s why. 

Canada Is Incredibly Welcoming 

This country is built on immigration. That means there are systems in place to support newcomers—and more importantly, people who truly want you here. Whether it’s settlement agencies, community groups, or even strangers in the grocery store, there’s a genuine sense that you belong. 

When I first arrived, I was afraid of standing out. But I quickly learned that everyone here has a story, and many have been newcomers themselves. There’s strength in that shared experience. 

The Economy Offers Real Opportunities 

Canada’s economy is stable, and in many sectors, there are more jobs than people to fill them. Skilled workers, tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and education workers are in high demand. Even if you start out in a survival job, there’s often a clear path forward. 

I’ve watched friends go from entry-level work to building strong, meaningful careers in just a few years. Canada rewards hard work, intelligent networking, and persistence. 

*There is a caveat here to say that the economy at the time I’m writing this is in a rough patch. Unemployment has been creeping up and younger people in particular, as well as higher unemployment areas (like Toronto), are finding it harder than usual to find a role. Learn more about the current labour market.  

The People Are Kind and Considerate 

Canadians are often stereotyped as polite—and it’s mostly true in my experience. But beyond the manners is a deeper sense of community and empathy. My neighbours are extremely friendly and we keep an eye out for each other. My friends are so giving and always help each other out whenever life throws a curveball.  

You may not become best friends with your neighbours overnight, but you will notice the warmth in everyday moments. 

Nature Is Everywhere 

From coast to coast, Canada is breathtaking. Lakes, forests, mountains, and national parks are never far away. You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy nature here—it’s often free (even national parks are free from June 20 to September 2 in 2025), it’s vast, and it’s life-giving. 

Hiking, trail running, and mountain biking in the summer and snowboarding and fat biking in the winter remind me how lucky I am to live in a country with four very distinct (and dramatic) seasons. 

There’s Freedom to Be Yourself 

Whether it’s religious freedom, freedom of speech, or the ability to live authentically, Canada encourages you to be you. Diversity isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated. And that makes a huge difference in your daily life, especially if you come from a place where conformity was expected. 

You can raise your children here knowing they’ll grow up with the right to love who they want, be who they want, live how they want, and build their own future. 

Final Thoughts 

Moving to Canada isn’t easy. There will be frustrations—some big, some small. You’ll compare things to your home country and wonder why Canada hasn’t figured out better phone plans yet. 

But over time, those annoyances fade. What remains is a deep gratitude for what this country offers: peace, opportunity, inclusion, and room to grow. 

So yes, there are things in Canada that are behind other countries – or more expensive. But I still choose to call it home. And if you’re on your way here—or already settling in—I hope you’ll find, as I did, that the good far outweighs the bad.